Darlington FC Youth Under 14s 6 Lumley 0

(home kit sponsored by Darlington Building Society)

Darlington finally managed to play a home game after numerous postponements.

An early goal from Liam Wynn settled the nerves as he placed calmly past the keeper after just five minutes. A steady flurry of chances followed, Liam shooting inches wide twice and Kieran Longstaff having a shot saved by the keeper. At times the pitch thwarted the lads’ efforts, the ball often bobbling just as they about to shoot. At the other end Kenzie Alton kept out a speculative lob, sprinting back and tipping the ball over the bar. Another chance was snuffed out as Kenzie saved smartly down to his right side. Other than those chances, Kenzie's defence stood strong and dealt with anything that came their way. Just before the half time whistle Tom Horner saw his cross knocked in by the keeper to give the lads a deserved two goal cushion at the break.

The second half started with the hosts again controlling most play. Spencer Soakell having started the game at right was again asked to move into central midfield and ended the game with three assists, one of which was to put Ollie Johnson through on goal, Ollie smashing a right foot shot into the roof of the net from 15 yards out.

The boys looked more relaxed following the third goal and slowly turned the screw on the visitors. Liam Wynn went close again before a huge goal kick from the hands of Kenzie Alton put him through with just the keeper to beat which he did easily slotting away to the keeper’s left without breaking his stride.

Five minutes later Liam got his hat-trick, ghosting past the keeper as if he wasn't there to tap into the empty net. At the other end Kenzie Alton kept a header out with a stunning one handed save low to his right. There was time for one more as Spencer Soakell slotted through a pinpoint pass for Liam Wynn who then rolled a ball along the six-yard box for Kevin Cook to prod into an open goal.

A third consecutive clean sheet was almost as pleasing as the six goals scored.  A solid defensive display yet again.

Notable performances from all players again made a man of the match award a tricky one to award. In the end, it went to Alex Mason, a rock yet again at the centre of the defence.